Open Architecture Network

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The Site

Nyaya Health Clinic is located in an extreme mountain area. I chose Site A to propose the construction of new Health Clinic. Incidentally, the building is oriented not only to take advantage of the natural heating, cooling of the sun and wind; it is also acting as a new link between existing clinic to the North and a group of existing building on the South. The layout also encouraging more interactive learning and activities among future user of the facility.

The building composition [Form, Color, Material, Sustainability]

To design the building, we are using the same language of form exist in the surrounding context—sloped roof, bearing wall, post and beam, tint roof, river stone, plaster and Reinforced Cement Concrete as the foundation of the design. However, the form is introduced in a fresher way, yet harmonized with the rhythm of the mountain beyond. The staff quarter is ‘softly’ detached from the public zone by a private courtyard, which does exist in many Nepali’s building construction.

We design the building with a full aware of Nepali’s climate, particularly in Achham, Nepal. The introduction of active/ passive solar system as well as natural heating and cooling the interior space taking advantage of the natural solar energy and cool breeze reduce energy usage to the minimum possible, yet to maintain a reasonable level of comfort. The introduction of operable jute panels maximize the flexibility of manual climate control, yet minimize the cost of construction since the product is locally produced. It’s economical choice in maintenance, cost of replacement is a great feature to consider in life-cycle cost of the building. Another great feature of the Jute Panel is while it is blocking the sun ray and rain from entering the building, it is also allow the breeze and light passing through, which making the climate control even easier for the user.

Other materials such as river stone, plaster, tint roof and Reinforced Cement Concrete are readily available locally, yet can be constructed using local labor without much further training and eliminating the cost of transport material from other location into the site.

Although sustainability is important, we are not neglect to incorporate the Cultural aspect into the design, which include but not limited to the color, layering of spaces and the usage of the courtyard. In response to the agriculture aspect, we are introducing a nice stretching planter along the main entrance, which is not only serve as a welcome element, but also providing, encouraging the Nepali women chance to interact (to teach and to be taught) with the facility—after all, that is one of the purpose of the new facility.